If last summer was the heyday of revenge travel after the pandemic, this summer promises to be much of the same, only more expensive.
International travel bookings from the U.S. have increased more than 200% since 2022, according to AAA. Airfares for international flights have jumped more than 30%, and International hotel bookings are up 300% from last year.
London is the top European destination for U.S. travelers, with a nearly 350% increase in bookings, followed by Rome, Paris, Dublin, and Barcelona. Canada is also in demand.
The surging demand is why ticket prices are rising, AAA said. “Travelers are making up for lost time and willing to spend more to see the world,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of Travel at AAA.
Cruising is also in demand, AAA said. Cruises departing from international destinations are up 30% compared with 2022. Cruises sailing in Nothern Europe, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean are among the most popular.
Delta Air Lines (ticker: DAL), the first major carrier to report earnings on Thursday, offered a robust second-quarter outlook, saying it foresees record advance bookings for summer.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the company was confident in guidance for full year revenue growth of 15% to 20% over 2022, earnings of $5 to $6 a share, and free cash flow of over $2 billion.
United Airlines (UAL), which reports earnings April 19, said international bookings jumped 15% in March, compared with 2022. United is expanding its overseas summer schedule by 25%, flying to 114 international cities. American Airlines (AAL), which reports April 27, raised its profit guidance.
Write to Janet H. Cho at janet.cho@dowjones.com
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